Semi-flexible handle for polo mallets



Oct. 9, 1934. H'. P. NELSON v SEMIFLEXIBLE HANDLE FOR POLO'MALLETS Filed Nov. 21, 1931 Qwventoc '/7 0'/76 F We Asa/2 Patented Dot. 9, 1934 umrso 's- 'rarss SEMLFLEXIBIJE HAND 13E FOR; POLO. MALLETS Hansl; Nelson; Grantwoodl Na Application Novemben 21, 1931;.Serial No. 576,561.

4 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to game apparatus, and the improvements are directed to aznovel form of handle adapted to be associated with the so-calledpolo mallet.

The primary. object of the invention resides in the production of a handle of the above-mentioned character possessing the requisite amount of flexibility as distinguished from the present day stiff and unyielding handles.

Another object is to provide a handle adapted to be inflated by a fluid whereby the proper stifiness or rigidity is imparted thereto and which at the same time will permit of flexibility and natural spring action so essential in handles of the above-mentioned type.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a handle having a hollow inflatable portion composed of yieldable material wherein the inflation and expansion thereof tend to bind and hold in position the inserted end of said inflatable portion within a mallet or the like.

Still another object is to provide novel valve means adapted to be operated to permit the entrance of a fluid, such as air, into the chambered -''---portion of the handle, and which automatically prevents the escape of the entrapped air after the inflation operation.

With these objects in view, together with others which will appear as the description proceeds, the

39 invention resides in the novel formation, combination and arrangement of parts, all as will be described more fully hereinafter, illustrated in the drawing, and particularly pointed out in the claims.

In said drawing:

Figure 1 is an elevation of my novel handle with parts in central longitudinal section.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken on the line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged central longitudinal section of the valve element.

Upon inspection of Figure 1 of the drawing, it will be noted that my improved handle comprises three essential parts, that is, the handle proper '5, the inflatable portion 6 and the valve element 7. Said handle 5 is constructed of light-weight material, such as wood or light metal, and may be fancifully decorated as indicated, and it will be noted that the inner end face portion thereof is provided with a socket 8, for the reception of the reduced portion 9 of said inflatable portion 6, the aforesaid parts being suitably afixed as by means of a pin 10.

Said portion -;rial, such as rubber, and which may 6 is formed from yieldable matebe subjected to inflation, and which may be constructed somewhat similar. to the well-known: types of automobile tires; which are usually reinforced. bya layeror layers of: canvas to resist undue"v expansion; In Fig; 2' the numeral: 11* indicates. CD a layer of canvas which may be embedded within the material forming said portion 6 for reasons aforesaid. Said portion 6 is provided with a bore 12 which extends from the inner end of the handle to a point spaced from the connec- 65.

coaxial therewith. Said chamber 15 is closed by 75.

a cap 16, also provided with a bore 17 which communicates with said chamber 15. A ball valve 18 is mounted within said bore 1'7, said ball valve possessing a diameter less than the diameter of said chamber 15, but more than the diameter of the bores 14 and 17.

Upon inspection of Fig. 3 it will be noted that said body portion 13 tapers toward the cap 16, and when the same has been inserted within the bore 12 it expands thelatter and becomes aflixed therein and thereby assures an air-tight connection.

When air under pressure is to be introduced into said bore 12, the nozzle of the air line is inserted in the bore 14 whereupon the ball valve 18 is unseated to abut the pin 18a, as indicated in Fig. 3, to permit the flow of air through the chamber 15, around the ball valve, into the bore 17 and finally into said bore 12. It is obvious that the aforesaid inflation operation tends to 95,

stifien said inflatable portion 6 to a great degree of efficiency and which will permit the desired amount of flexibility to said handle. When sufficient air has been introduced into said bore 12, the nozzle of the air line is removed and the 100,

pressure of the air re-seats the ball valve, as indicated in Fig. 1, and the air pressure is retained in said bore 12.

In Fig. 1 it will be noted the lower end of said portion 6 is shown inserted within the bore of 105,,

the mallet head A, (indicated by broken lines), and it is obvious that when the fluid is introduced into the cavity 12, as aforesaid, said portion 6 will be expanded and that section of portion 6 inserted in the bore of said mallet A will 1 g be solidly and tightly fitted within said bore. However, to release the fluid within the cavity 12, any means of proper diameter and suitable length may be inserted through said bore 14 to unseat the ball 18. After this has been accomplished,'the handle may be removed from the mallet head, if desired.

A handle constructed in accordance with my invention .will give long and satisfactory service. It will possess the necessary rigidity and the proper resiliency so vital in articles of this character.

While the present is a disclosure of the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, as various changes in the minor details of construction, proportion and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A handle for a mallet head, comprising a solid upper portion having a socket leading in from one end, a lower inflatable portion having an end portion insertable within said socket and means for securing said handle portions to gether.

2. A handle for a mallet head, comprising two sections securely connected in alinement, the lower section being composed of rubber and pro vided with an elongated cavity to receive an infiating medium and valve means for closing one end of said cavity.

3. A handle for a mallet head, consisting of an upper solid section and a hollow inflatable flexible lower section, said last-named section being composed of expandible material and adapted to be entered in the bore in the head portion of the mallet prior to the inflation of said flexible lower section and when so entered to be inflated sufficiently to hold said section to a desired rigidity within said bore of the mallet.

4. A polo mallet handle consisting of an upper solid portion and a hollow inflatable flexible lower portion, the lower part of said portion adapted to enter the bore in the head portion of a mallet and when so entered to be inflated sufficiently to hold said lower part to a desired rigidity within said bore in a mallet head.

- HANS P. NELSON. 

